Pages

November 11, 2013

22 + things I've learned

Happy birthday to me!

As cliché as it is, my birthday is one of my favorite days of the year. Even when I'm old and gray I think I'll still look forward to my birthday and celebrating it. It's just a happy time. And let's be honest, who doesn't like being able to do whatever they want and using "it's my birthday" as a justification for absolutely everything?

This year I want to celebrate my birthday more than I usually have on the blog, so this week I'm going to be doing a "22" mini-series. Something I love about bloggers I follow is when I learn about the person behind the screen. I feel more connected, and I appreciate that blogger even more when I feel like I know them as a real life human being. I want to try to start doing that more, and what better time to let you know about me (because I bet you want to) than my birthday (see, justification for everything).

I feel like a birthday is the perfect time to evaluate yourself and start making improvements and enhancing the positive aspects of who you are. Part of that process is taking a step back and thinking about all the lessons you've learned and the valuable takeaways you've gotten from life experiences. So today I'm going to share with you some important lessons I've learned in the past 22 years. 22 is a big age, at least for me; it's kinda like the beginning of true adulthood. You can already do everything a true adult can do, and you no longer carry around the party vibe of 21. It's a good starting point for growing up, and part of being a grown-up is having little nuggets of wisdom to share with others. So here they are, in no particular order, my 22 little nuggets of 22-year-old wisdom...

1. Every woman, regardless of age or marital status, needs to read this book.

2. The annoyance of cleaning will pay off when you walk into a clean home and collapse on a made bed after a long day.

3. And on that note, throw away trash, and clean up crumbs. Then Raid all your baseboards, doors, and windows because the ants will come if you don't.

4. A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. Embrace obstacles, and rise above them. Avoiding challenges only hurts you in the long run.

5. The grass is not greener on the other side. It's green where you water it.

6. It is okay to put yourself first. You are allowed to tell people "no" so you can have alone time, and your true friends will understand that it's not personal.

7. If you truly want something, you have to make it happen.

8. Taco Bell is always a bad idea.

9. College does not have to be the best four years of your life. There is a lot of life to be lived after college, and it would honestly be pretty darn depressing if you peaked so early in life.

10. You should never accept being treated poorly by anyone, not even family.

11. Training your hair to not start getting greasy until six days after you last washed it is an invaluable survival tool, and I am convinced it will add years to your life. Dry shampoo can be used to add about three days to your hair-washing cycle.

12. All bad days can be cured with a glass of wine while watching a marathon of your favorite TV show.

13. Thank you notes are important.

14. Your reputation can make or break you. Take care of it.

15. It is always good to take an extra five minutes to remove your makeup at night.

16. Treat others how you want to be treated. Simple as that.

17. Studying abroad while in college will change your life. The experience is priceless; the expense is worth it.

18. Taking the time to find the perfect planner is a worthwhile investment.

19. An Otterbox for your phone is also a good investment.

20. Bouncing from relationship to relationship is unhealthy. Taking time to be single and to be comfortable with yourself is key.

21. When the weather gets cooler, always say "yes" to hot chocolate.

22. Punctuality is one of the best traits a person can have. It means a lot to others when you show up early/on time.

And there you have it - 22 things I've learned in the past 22 years. But before I end this post, I just want to wish a happy Veteran's Day to all the servicemen and women out there! Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. Also, a very happy Founder's Day to my sisters in Gamma Phi Beta. There are few things I cherish more than the bonds of my sisterhood. Cheers to 139 years of inspiring the highest type of womanhood! I love being able to share my birthday with these two holidays.